Iranian, Syrian ambassadors at foreign ministry in Jerusalem?

Monday, January 08, 2007 |
by Staff Writer

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted IMUN - Israel Model United Nations, a two-day UN model conference, which began on Sunday. Nearly 140 high school students participated in a simulation – the UN model 2007, resembling discussions in the UN General Assembly.

Students in the 11th and 12th grades dressed professionally, represented 18 nations and simulated General Assembly debates. Preparation for the Model UN was a month and a half long process, giving students time to learn the work of the UN and the work of diplomats of participating member states.

Participating member states included Syria and Israel, which sat around the same table, the US, North Korea, Iran, Sudan, Egypt, Great Britain, Italy, India, Ghana, Japan, Panama, South Africa, Russia, China, Venezuela and France.

The Foreign Ministry purchased for the first time a Syrian flag to wave in the hall, but had difficulty locating an Iranian flag and was forced to print one out on the Internet.

During the two-day event, the young diplomats engaged in “debates,” simulating the General Assembly. The diplomats began their presentations with “I believe…” as they represented their countries.

The Model UN is a worldwide project of which 40 nations participate, making it possible for thousands of youths in the world to be exposed to the way the UN operates, teaching students the work of the United Nations, as well as international conflicts and global problems faced by member states.

Roni Adam, director of the department of the UN in the Foreign Ministry said that Israelis need to become joined to the international agenda presented by the UN.

“We all know that the simulation of Israel in the world depends on the necessity of a method we look at in the world and in the UN. We are beginning to do this here and with hope that constitutes education in Israel and will drive the model in the years to come so the Israeli public will become aware of the great importance of joining the UN.”

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